londoncommuter

It's decision time on a new bike and I'd appreciate opinions on the way to go.

I need something to cover 40-50 miles a week on roads (urban tarmac, potholed and pretty flat) plus occasional trips on non-paved cycle tracks (canal towpaths, rural cycle ways - not proper off roading).

The Specialized Sirrus Elite looks and feels amazing, but can only take a maximum 28mm tyre; the Cannondale also looks and feels pretty good, but only goes to a minimum 28mm tyre.

What to choose? I don't want to get the sportier Sirrus and find that I can't take it for rural jaunts with the kids; but 80% or more of my riding is on roads, so I don't want to compromise my commute too severely.

Any one got experience of both or of either and can share good points and bad points about them?

pbd

???

From your handle I assume you're in the UK, and I see the UK Sirrus comes with 28c tires...but the US-version Sirrus Elite comes standard with 32c tires, and that's the size on my Sirrus Elite in the US. The frame and fork appear to be the same on the UK version from the descriptions and images, are you sure it won't fit 32c tires?

londoncommuter

Thanks pbd.

I'm going on what the man at the bike shop said, so I'd be interested to know if anyone has managed a fatter tyre - I guess I'd be looking to get a 32 or max 35 on the wheels, not a knobbly off road job, but something like a marathon.

The rims are specced as Alex AS-14 double wall, if that helps any.

badger1

Just had a glance at the UK Elite (2011) on the website. I have a 2010 Comp; from what I can see, there is plenty of clearance at the fork crown to easily fit 32s, possibly even with mudguard. Can't tell from the photo, but I suspect clearance is fine in rear triangle as well -- easy enough to check physically.
My Sirrus is has the carbon rear end, but on it 32s would be no issue, nor would non-knobbly 35s.
There's a review of the '11 Elite in UK mag Cycling Active -- March issue I think. Don't have it to hand, but that review might speak to the issue of tire clearance.
By the bye, you'd have no trouble with the kinds of unpaved surfaces you describe with 28s, though 32s are better. I really don't think you'd 'need' 35s unless contemplating extended loose gravel or mud!

londoncommuter

Thanks Badger, the site also reviews a Sirrus against a Vitus and says it's okay for non-strenuous off road stuff.

I have to admit to wanting to choose the Sirrus, because a) like the way it looks and rides and b) my old specialized hybrid has given me six years of very good service.

Sirrus it probably is then - unless there are some Cannondale fans who want to put talk up the Quick?

badger1

Cheers, Londoncommuter. Re. the C'dale, can't speak to it, but again ... v. good review in that same rag (Cycling Active, month previous?). Personally, I think it's six 'o one, half dozen t'other...either I would think is a very good bike (for your [or my] purposes), and very similiar in concept. I'd go with fit first, then looks. I like Specialized (except for their d___ed habit of using stupid proprietary headsets [but this can be fixed!]), others like C'dale. FWIW, I absolutely love my Sirrus ... so much so that I'm splashing out on it this year and next for upgrades (drivetrain, wheels) ... plan to keep this frame/fork a loooong time (commuting, training rides/audax and light touring is my thing).

scap

Greatest things about SS Elite 2011 are the HQ frame which is around 50 gr lighter than SSS and the new carbon fork. These are the most expensive parts and they are so great that you can use them over years and only upgrade other components to make it fit your needs. Frame design feels kind of unique and very special to me. Bike is like super lightweight (around 10.3 kg) and has significant improvements over SSS.
I also read that you can switch up to 35mm tires, but this is unconfirmed. You can also drive it in rural areas, as new fork is reportedly doing a great job on handling vibrations.

Now the ugly things: SSE has several medicore components, such as altus front DR, altus shifters, composite pedals and most importantly Shimano Tourney chainset. Why in the hell Specialized decided to go with this particular chainset is beyond me. Fortunately most of these components are not that expensive and you can easily upgrade them..

londoncommuter

Many thanks chaps.

I've now checked with another bike store and got down on my hands and knees to look at rims and the Elite can take 32mm tyres, so problem (if there is one) solved.

One more test ride and then it's time for the credit card.

scap

hey londoncommuter, I am also going to buy this bike and wonder if you plan to make any quick upgrade, like replacing the poor chainset I mentioned earlier.

mikeschn

I've now got the Small Block 8 on my Sirrus which are 35 wide...



Mikey

londoncommuter

Thanks guys. Just ordered the bike today. I think the Sirrus has something extra about it that the Cannondale (great bike though it is) just doesn't. Here's hoping that I'm right.

I'm quite excited now - there's nothing like having a new bike to make you feel twelve years old again.

Scap - don't know if I'll change the chainset. What sort of benefit do you think I'll see?

[BTW, excuse me here, but my company's SEO manager has been shouting at me that I haven't put up a link to one of our websites, www.cyclingmagazinesubscriptions.co.uk Now that's done he might go away and leave me alone.]

londoncommuter

One week in, so a brief update on the Specialized.

It's certainly lighter and quieter than my old (2004) crossroads. It's also quicker; on sections uninterrupted by traffic lights, pedestrians, cars etc I can easily go 10-15% faster, and it moves away from the lights a little more swiftly as well. No problems with cycling along potholed roads, although a stretch of cobbles on my commute (opposite Westminster Abbey, Royal Wedding fans) has to be taken a little more slowly than the old bike or my fillings get shaken from my teeth.

The gears are a little clunky in spots and the chain rubs the front cage in 2/7-2/9, but I'll have a go at adjusting these at the weekend. I haven't yet 'run out of gears' as I used to on long, flat stretches previously, and I'm finding I can climb hills in a higher gear than before.

badger1

Sounds good!
Not much one can do about cobbles (!), but ... I wonder, are you using the stock tires on your bike (Spec All Condition 28c)? If so, so too am I; these are a little 'harsh' though fast rolling.
You may have thought of this, but ... you might have the pressures unnecessarily high? There's no need (depending of course to some extent on your weight) to be running, say, 110 psi or even 100; I've experimented and find that for my weight (usually around 155 lbs) 80 rear/70 front is just fine. No noticeable increase in rolling resistance; no pinch flats, but a very noticeable increase in suppleness/comfort over rough sections (we have lots of these round here).
Just a thought.

Franky

AMEN brother! I am trading in my '11 Specialized Expedition Sport on a Sirrus Elite. Mine is on order and will supposedly get here end of June.